Anji Kills a King is a new debut from a well-known book reviewer. The talented Evan Leikam brings us this travel story. This short and laser-focused narrative feels very different from most of the other books I have read this year, but does that differentiation play to its benefit or detriment? This is a story about a murder, running from an elite police force, and an unlikely duo who are magically chained together.

Anji, our assassin of the king, was once cleaning laundry for royalty. She felt like the king wasn’t doing a very good job with the monarchy thing, so she stabbed him. Then she runs for her life. In her wake, the kingdom is thrown into disarray, while a bounty bigger than anyone could imagine lands on her head. Sent to track her down are the fabled mercenaries of the Menagerie, animal-themed super cops who wear masks with magical powers. The menagerie works somewhat independently, and the Hawk finds Anji first. Anji is a bratty, unlikable snot, and the Hawk is a surly, aging swordswoman who couldn’t communicate effectively if her life depended on it. The Hawk uses magical powers to chain them together and then attempts to drag Anji across the kingdom to stand trial literally. The result is a strange and fun spectacle.

Leikam has a clear, no-frills, and direct authorial voice that you will either love or hate. Personally, I found it to be a bit barren, but that is completely a matter of personal taste, and I am sure that a number of readers will find the focus it lends the story refreshing. It certainly stands out across the genre, and I am absolutely sure it will find a home in people’s hearts. The tone is matched well with the style of the story, allowing the reader to zero in on this travel story with Anji and the Hawk with little distraction. The worldbuilding is extremely light, but that again feels like an artistic choice so that we can spend the bulk of our time with the core of this novel: watching two people who hate one another forced to hang out.

Travel stories are often hit or miss for me. Anji Kills a King definitely fell more on the miss side of the scale, as I just didn’t find enough stimulation as our duo travels the world. The locations and situations that they found themselves in started to get repetitive fairly early, and there was little to distinguish the different stops they made. That being said, Anji and the Hawk instead fill up the space by continuously fighting like two cats in a wet paper bag. Neither of these players is likable; they are designed to be grating, and neither of them is at their best. There is definitely clear character growth over the course of the book, but I honestly think that both of them grew into being almost worse people instead of better. However, Leikam is aware of this and uses it to make some interesting commentary around the nature of power and leadership and how little people can change the world. The result is a book that feels clever but wasn’t very fun for me to read, and had multiple parts I needed to slog through.

The Menagerie is fun, with all the different animal members making debuts throughout the book. The ending involves a big upheaval around the makeup of these totem bounty hunters and provides a very strong setup for the story of book two. Despite this, I am not sure if I will continue with The Rising Tide series, as book one has shown me that Leikam’s style is very much not for me. Still, as a reviewer myself, I cannot help but be impressed and give Leikam credit for going the step that all reviewers secretly long for: making his own mark on the genre.

Rating: Anji Kills a King – 6.0/10
-Andrew

Cannot properly review this book as Netgalley has made it difficult to review anything. This is an accessibility issue now going from ASCM to LCPL.

I liked the characters and the world. The pace was slow despite all of the action. Definitely has the feel of a start to a much bigger storyline. I look forward to more from this author despite having some difficulty getting into the story.

2.5 stars

I feel very conflicted about this book. I never really thought I disliked books with travel, but now I'm rethinking this about my reading tastes. Maybe they have changed. The majority of this book was travel, which I expected, but it wasn't exciting travel, in my opinion. It was repetitive and didn't help me at all to get close to the characters. It was primarily used for world building (which the world is really cool).

In the last 30%, it got a lot better. The characters moments were happening and I was enjoying it, but then the ending happened and I liked it, but also felt like there could have been more to it. And the last line kinda bothered me. It felt like a cheap way to get me to read the next book.

All in all, the structure of the story and my lack of connection to the characters wasn't a great experience for me, despite some really neat conversations in that last 30%. I'm unsure if I will continue or not. I will just have to see what other reviewers say about it, before I decide.

Evan Leikam tells that after Anji Kills a King (paper from Tor) the church sends the bounty known as the Menagerie. Each member is named for an animal that matches their magical abilities. The Hawk finds Anji first, and apparently has come out of retirement because of the lure of the reward. The problem is that she wants the whole reward. Anji, who was a laundress who killed the king accidently, is caught between the various members of the bounty hunting team and has to find depth in herself to survive. I hope for sequels.

Anji Kills a King by Evan Leikam
Series: The Rising Tide, Book One
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Length: 332 pages I 10 hours 18 minutes
Narrator: Moira Quirk


I’ve been following Evan for a long time now and when I found out that he was writing a book (and then signed to Tor!) I’ve been over the moon about it. Not only does he recommend some of the best books I’ve read, he’s a local Portland author. My lovely friend Katy sent me the arc as an early birthday gift and I was approved for alc so this was a tandem read for me. The audio was perfect for this book.

As the title aptly states, Anji commits regicide in the first scene, from there she is on the run and is captured by a bounty hunter called The Hawk. This book is nothing if not a fast paced high fantasy with so much action at what felt like every turn. Moira Quirk’s audio narration did an amazing job at keeping me engaged. However I felt a lack of not only character development but just any connection to the character was not there for me. I thought it was extremely well written, the prose was perfect for the story Evan gave us and the action was incredible. I just wanted it to slow down for a touch so I could get a better handle on Anji’s motivations and care about her.

I wanted to love this so badly, I’ll definitely be picking up the next in the series. I highly recommend to anyone that loves a break neck speed high fantasy.

Good length and pace spoilt but a predictable story with overly simplistic prose. If you are looking for a book that doesn't dumb it down for the reader, this isn't it.

If you’re looking to try a new epic fantasy author, you like lots of action, and you don’t mind some gore, you might love Anji Kills a King by Evan Leikam. Can I convince you with a first line? “Hot noble blood pumped over Anji’s hand.” WHAT?! Evan drops us right in the middle of the action, and it really doesn’t let up until the last page. The writing style and pacing was great, and you can tell Evan gets a lot of his epic fantasy inspiration from the likes of Tolkien, Joe Abercrombie, and Richard Swan. If you like these authors, you’ll probably enjoy this book. Although, unlike Tolkien, this does not have a feeling of whimsy. It’s dark and gritty. And like any good epic fantasy, there are giant spiders (insert shudder). Anji is an interesting FMC, as we know very little about her motivations, she’s super mouthy, annoying, and can’t decide if she likes or loathes her captor, the Hawk. Now the Hawk is by far, my favorite character. Talk about the best grumpy old lady bounty hunter there ever was. Oh, and did I mention she’s also addicted to a drug that turns you into a monster eventually? She’s holding on by a thread. I loved the idea of the Menagerie as a group of bounty hunters, and each mask gives the wearer powers. I feel like we only got snippets of what’s to come: there’s a cult trying to take over power now that the King is dead, and that ending?! After finishing this book, I do feel book two has the potential to open up the world a lot more, and give more depth to the characters.

Things to Know:
Book one of an unfinished series
Traveling Quest
Epic Fantasy
Grimdark fantasy vibes
Lots of fight sequences
TW: Death, Torture, Animal Death, Addiction

***MINOR SPOILERS FROM HERE ON OUT—YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!***

If you don’t want to read a brutal animal unaliving, just know it’s in Chapter 10. Excuse me, sir?! What did Molli the horse, ever do to you?!

My gripes? There were a few minor things. I would have liked some broader worldbuilding. It was mostly travel, then fight, then travel some more, without a whole lot of information being given to us along the way about the world we were dropped in. Don’t get me wrong, there’s some, but a bit more detail would have also helped me understand the characters’ motivations better. This book is surprisingly short for epic fantasy, so there’s definitely room for a longer installment. It was slightly confusing to me that she ran away after killing the king, and seemingly got far away fast, but then they’re taking the entire book to get back to the city for her execution? That was a bit confusing. I also did not love the random sex scene thrown in out of nowhere, and sometimes the gore felt like it was for shock factor. There’s definitely an element of ‘boy fantasy book’ vibes here, but I get it. I also felt like we didn’t get a ton of depth from the side characters, and I would have like to again, have some more understanding around motivations and the Menageries' relationships with each other.

Overall, I still enjoyed it, and felt it was great as a debut! As someone who has watched Evan skyrocket on Booktok and Bookstagram from the beginning of his journey, I’m so excited for his writing journey. He totally deserves every success and I look forward to reading book two. Many thanks to Tor for the ARC and MacMillan Audio for the ALC, which I listened to, while reading my physical copy. I really enjoyed the narration—the character voices are all super unique and definitely immersed me into this world even more. When’s book two?!

The summary made me think this book would be one that I'd enjoy, however, I really did not. The pace was non-stop, and while some people like that, the unending tortures that Anji went through was not for me. This book made me actually upset with the mutilation and terror, and probably should have had some sort of trigger warning. (If it did, I forgot it was at the beginning, and I apologize.)

Am I surprised Anji did not die in the end? No. Was it worth reading through all the shit she goes through to get there? Also, no.

Evan Leikam's debut novel, Anji Kills a King, is a relentless and gritty grimdark fantasy that plunges readers headfirst into a world of political intrigue, brutal consequences, and an unforgettable protagonist. This first installment in "The Rising Tide" series immediately grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go, offering a fresh take on the fantasy genre that will appeal to fans of authors like Joe Abercrombie and R.F. Kuang.

The book wastes no time with exposition, opening with the titular act: Anji, a seemingly ordinary castle laundress, seizes a desperate opportunity to assassinate the tyrannical king she despises. This impulsive act, born of a deep-seated hatred for the oppressive regime, throws the entire kingdom into chaos and places an enormous bounty on her head. Anji's subsequent flight for survival forms the core of the narrative, as she quickly finds herself captured by one of the most formidable bounty hunters in the land: the enigmatic and fearsome Hawk, a member of the fabled Menagerie.

What makes Anji Kills a King truly stand out is the dynamic between Anji and the Hawk. For much of the book, Anji is a prisoner, shackled and tethered to her captor by magic. Yet, despite her dire predicament, Anji's spirit remains unbroken. She is fierce, defiant, and possesses a sharp tongue that consistently challenges the stoic and world-weary Hawk. Their journey, fraught with danger from other bounty hunters and the harsh realities of a crumbling kingdom, becomes a compelling exploration of their individual pasts, motivations, and the complex nature of justice and revolution.

Leikam's prose is sharp, visceral, and unflinching. The action sequences are intense and well-choreographed, painting a vivid picture of a brutal world where survival is a constant struggle. While the world-building unfolds largely through the characters' interactions and experiences, it feels organic and deeply integrated into the story. The grimdark elements are pervasive, with no shortage of violence, moral ambiguity, and the harsh realities of a society teetering on the brink.

Anji herself is a captivating character. She is flawed, often impulsive, and at times infuriatingly stubborn, yet her sheer tenacity and resilience make her incredibly compelling. Her journey is not just about escaping capture, but also about confronting her own romanticized notions of rebellion and understanding the messy, complicated consequences of her actions. The Hawk, too, is a richly layered character, whose mysterious past and complex motivations slowly unravel, adding depth and intrigue to their strained alliance.

While the book is undeniably fast-paced, it also delves into deeper themes: the true cost of revolution, the nature of power, and the compromises individuals make in a world devoid of easy answers. The narrative skillfully weaves in mysteries surrounding the Hawk and the broader political landscape, culminating in satisfying reveals that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

Anji Kills a King is a powerful and memorable debut. It's a brutal, action-packed, and emotionally resonant fantasy that subverts expectations and leaves a lasting impression. If you're looking for a grimdark adventure with a compelling, unyielding protagonist and a narrative that refuses to pull its punches, then Anji Kills a King is an absolute must-read. It sets a high bar for the rest of "The Rising Tide" series, and I eagerly anticipate where Anji's journey will take her next.

This had a slam dunk of an opening. I was hooked from the very first page. It was fast-paced, with compelling characters, and a plot I could not predict. The world was fascinating, and was detailed enough without feeling like I was being information dumped upon. This was a fantastically done story, and I absolutely cannot wait for more from this author.

This was an excellent fantasy debut! Fast paced from the very first page and honestly didn’t guess where it would go at all. The world building was both interesting and detailed. Full of adventure and wit, I highly recommend Anji Kills a King for any fantasy lover.

♡ 𝙰𝚗𝚓𝚒 𝙺𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚜 𝚊 𝙺𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚢 𝙴𝚟𝚊𝚗 𝙻𝚎𝚒𝚔𝚊𝚖
𝚏𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚜𝚢 • 𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚜

♡ Thank you @macmillan.audio and @torbooks for the complimentary ALC and digital arc.

The opening action scene hooked me. However, plot then took a backseat to bloody battles & rampage. I needed more story to keep me engaged. It’s giving an increasingly forgettable menagerie of villains. Every chapter characters will die.

I loved Moira Quirk’s narration and bumped my rating for her stellar performance which kept me pushing to the finish line. Less action and more context for the characters' motivations earlier on would have improved my enjoyment.

A little slow to start, there’s a lot of traveling but it’s an interesting and dark world, very much in the life is nasty brutish and short vein. But that certainly does give it a proper medieval fantasy feel! The king dies because he didn’t think to fear a servant girl and it all goes about as well as one would expect in a power grab…

Leikam's "Anji Kills A King" is a fantastic epic fantasy debut. The publishers told me it was for fans of Christopher Buehlman and Joe Abercrombie, so of course I leapt right on it! I had to remind myself that such comparisons by nature cite known authors as the epitome of what the author they are promoting is trying to do. That's not to say Leikam's book is without charm, I in fact thoroughly enjoyed it and plan to recommend it to fantasy fanatics! It's just that I can't say this book will last in my memory like "The Blacktongue Thief" or the First Law series.

But enough naysaying! Here's what I loved about this book. Firstly I love that the regicide happens right away. It's a big plot point, but I love the idea of the plot not leading up to it but focusing on what happens after.
Secondly I enjoyed the complicated nature of the Hawk and the rest of the Menagerie. I like to keep my reviews spoiler-free so I won't say much more, except the reputation of the Menagerie you hear a little about in the beginning doesn't really prepare you for where their story leads.
The magic and worldbuilding are all right, but I did feel as though I wasn't wowed by it. Still solid though. What I did thoroughly enjoy were some beings Anji and the Hawk come face to face with in their travels.
The characters have real depth and you find yourself caring about what happens to some. There's some good witty repartee and you'll see really early on that Anji has some spunk and sass to her that I'm sure many readers will find endearing (I can definitely say not all of the book's characters found it so). Leikam is obviously a fan of the genre and has done his homework. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!

An interesting new voice in fantasy. Some interesting world building here, but the protagonist wasn't always the most engaging. If you're looking for more, new fantasy authors to try, then you should certainly give ANJI KILLS A KING a try, but there have been other, better debut of late.

Thank you to Tor Books & Net Galley for letting me review this in exchange for an e-ARC.

I have been following book_reviews_kill on #booktok for a long time. He was one of the first booktokers I ever followed on social media, and hearing about his debut novel made me very excited. The beginning really hooks your in with Anji killing a king right in the beginning. Hawk, our famous bounty hunter, finds her first and thus begins their journey.

I found the story easy to follow and the banter was a delight. Although, I am sad to say that it wasn't able to keep my attention part way through and I had to slowly move along. I think many of the plot points were fairly predictable though the ending was a surprise. It was also a very traditional going-on-a-quest type. I want to be more invested in the characters than finding out things that happen to them on their journey. It's only the first book, so I am keeping an eye out for the future to see how it all sets up. I definitely want to see how Anji evolves as a character too! Overall, a really great and strong debut. This is great for fantasy fans in general and those who like their heroine a little complex.

There were certainly things I really enjoyed about this book. I loved the mystery at the start of the bounty hunter group and then why Hawk had gone out on her own, as well as the dynamic between Anji and Hawk. But overall, outside of these interactions, I didn’t really like Anji. For someone who plotted to murder a king and successfully pulled off the assassination, she very much was too impulsive to be someone that could have succeeded in this. Especially since the only reason she was caught was because of something Hawk knew about her already.

“You want people under your control? Divide them. Fill them with fear. Then point that fear at something to hate and they'll do whatever you say."

The audiobook was great, however, and definitely kept me engaged.

3.5 stars

Thank you to @torbooks for the eARC and @macmillan.audio for the ALC. All thoughts are my own.

Anji Kills a King is a fast, bloody, and gripping fantasy debut that starts with a bang (literally) and never lets up. Anji is a fierce, messy heroine, and the tension between her and the Hawk keeps things sharp. If you like gritty worlds, fast-paced plots, and morally complex characters, this one’s a blast!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this eARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review!

This was one of my most anticipated releases on 2025 especially because I have been followed the author on social media for years now. Then I saw this cover and was even more excited about it.

This book was a wild ride from page 1 and had several twists that I was not expecting! The main hook for me was the character development of Anji and Hawk. I am always a fan of morally grey characters and wow, were both Anji and Hawk so flawed.

Best part of this fantasy book, all the feels the author was able to make me feel. One second, I'm mad and frustrated, next, I'm devastated. Overall, loved it and I can't wait for the next book.